The First in Space

Earth is the cradle of mind, but one cannot live in the cradle forever.
K. Tsiolkovsky

Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was the founder of the present day cosmonautics, the Russian scientist in the field of aerodynamics, rocket dynamics, plane and airship theory. He conditioned the equation of jet propulsion, came to the conclusion of the necessity of “rocket trains” use as the prototypes of multi-stage rockets.

He was a representative of Russian cosmism, a member of Russian World Science Researchers. Tsiolkovsky K. was an author of science fiction, supporter and propagandist of space exploration. He proposed to colonize space with orbital stations. He proposed the idea of space lift, trains on air bag. He claimed that life on one of the planets in the universe would overcome gravity and spread life all over the universe.

The very first artificial satellite from our planet was small, but its loud signals were heard by all continents and among all nations as the embodiment of the boldest human dream.
S. Korolev

Sergey Korolev was the founder of practical cosmonautics, an outstanding constructor and scientist. He constructed the first artificial Earth satellite, the rocket that took the first man to the space. He designed the automated apparatus to explore the Moon. He projected the orbit station and was one of the originators of “The Moon Project”.

His construction projects in the field of rocket engineering are of significant value for the development of the Russian missile weapons as well as for world cosmonautics. He is justly considered to be the father of Russian rocket space machinery that has made Russia the leading rocket space power.

Ground № 1

The Council of Ministers’ Decree “About the new polygon for the Defense Ministry of the USSR” №292-181cc was signed on the 12th of February 1955. The most suitable area for the polygon construction was located near Tjura-Tam village. However, the area was difficult to settle. In summer the temperature rose as high as 113°F in the shade and there were dust storms. In winter the temperature dropped to –32.8°F with strong winds… The first workers lived in tents. These awful conditions did not prevent people from working. The builders laid concrete, digging foundation pits, building the cement plant.

On the 20th of July 1955 “The object 135”, the starting complex of the rocket “R-7”, was initiated on Tjura-Tam polygon. The builders called the object “Ground №1” or “The stadium”. In a few years it was referred to as “Gagarin’s start”.

Gagarin’s ship on the experimental mechanical plant OKB-1 was immaculately constructed, however, in assemble and testing building (ATB) more than 70 minor malfunctions were found and eliminated. On the 11th of April 1961 at 5 AM the carrier rocket “Vostok” together with the spaceship were taken out of ATB. Sergey Korolev followed it to the launching complex.

On the 18th of June 1960 Sergey Korolev accompanied the future astronauts to the pilot plant workshop to study the spaceship “Vostok”. There were glistening balls of the landers without the heat-protective grease. Sergey Korolev asked whether there were those wishing to sit inside the spaceship. Gagarin was the first to agree. He stepped in front, bent, unlaced the shoes and started climbing up the stairs in socks. Korolev appreciated that Gagarin took off his shoes…

On the 12th of April 1961 at 9.08 AM (UTC+3) the 3-stage rocket “Vostok” put the world’s first spaceship satellite with the man on board to the Earth’s orbit. The pilot cosmonaut on board was mayor Yuriy Gagarin, the USSR citizen…

Carrier rocket “Vostok” Launch Scheme
  • The rocket on start
  • The jettison of the first stage (side units B, C, D, E)
  • The jettison of the payload fairing and the second stage (central unit A)
  • The spaceship`s ascent to orbit
  • The jettison of the ship from the third stage (unit E)
  • The spaceship «Vostok» orbit routing pattern
  • The Sun oriented turn around
  • The spaceship stabilization
  • Deceleration breaking thrust
  • The jettison of the lander from the instrument compartment
  • — “Vesna”, I am “Kedr”. How do you read me? Over.
    — “Vesna”, I do not read you.
    — Do you read me? Over…
    — The sensation of zero gravity is extraordinary. Everything is floating around! Everything just floats! Beautiful! Exciting! It’s interestng…
    — “Zarja-3”, “Zarja-3”. Do you read me? Over.

    The spaceship really lived its own life of the calculating device independent from the person on board. If Gagarin fell unconscious or went insane “Vostok” would perform the task returning him to the Earth.

    Flying over South America the astronaut had lunch. He took the tubes with sorrel puree and meat, meat pate and chocolate mousse from the food container. After it he drank canned water via the mouthpiece. Thus, Gagarin proved that the process of eating on orbit did not pose any serious problem.

     
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